How to Naturally Kill Poison Ivy & Poison Oak

by Melissa Lewis

As the old saying goes, "Leaves of three, let them be."

Poison ivy (Rhus radicans or Toxicodendron radicans) and poison oak (Rhus diversiloba or Toxicodendron diversilobum) grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10 and 5 through 9, respectively, and are valuable food sources for birds and animals. To most people, though, they are a source of great pain. The toxic oil that these plants produce typically causes itchy rashes that can be potentially serious, sometimes life-threatening to those who are extremely allergic. Therefore, if you’ve had a severe reaction in the past, do not attempt to get rid of these nuisance plants yourself, but rather recruit someone else. To kill poison ivy or poison oak without the use of herbicides, manual removal is required.

1

Wear rubber gloves and clothing that covers the legs and arms. Ideally, these should be disposable since they can potentially carry the poisonous oil for several years.

2

Cut poison ivy and oak to the ground with a pair of pruning shears, loppers or saw. Bag the trimmings in thick garbage bags and dispose.

3

Dig the roots out with a spade. Get as much as possible. Continue to cut back new growth to the ground until the vines dies.

4

Rinse the gardening tools with cold water and wash them with soap and water. Use paper towels for easy disposal.

5

Dispose of the gloves and clothes, or launder them separately regular laundry detergent, if applicable. Wash them two or more times, if desired, to help ensure that the oil is removed. Rinse the inside of the machine afterward to remove any lingering oil.

About the Author

Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

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